Accession Number	<strong>00042737-200104000-00003</strong>.
Author	Gentilini, Paolo; Vizzutti, Francesco; Gentilini, Alessandra; La Villa, Giorgio
Institution	Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, School of Medicine, Florence, Italy
Title	Ascites and hepatorenal syndrome.[Review]
Source	European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 13(4):313-316, April 2001.
Abstract	Ascites is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease with severe portal hypertension. Moreover, in the presence of tense ascites, renal dysfunction and hepatorenal syndrome may occur. Unfortunately, there is no explanation that thoroughly describes the complex relationship between the liver and kidney in either physiological or pathological conditions. Nevertheless, available evidence indicates that early sodium and water retention precedes decompensation, characterized by hyperdynamic circulation. The best approach to the treatment of these patients should be aimed at the prevention of ascites formation. An accurate sequential treatment is indicated in patients with ascites. In the case of hepatorenal syndrome, the only definitive approach is liver transplantation. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.